Latest News from Sul Ross September 17, 2013

SUL ROSS FALL SEMESTER ENROLLMENT JUMPS 12 PERCENT Highlighted by a 54 percent surge in freshman numbers, Sul Ross State University’s fall semester enrollment showed a 12 percent hike as 12th class day numbers were released Monday afternoon (Sept. 16). Enrollment increased 208 students, from 1,736 in 2012 to 1,944. Semester credit hours rose seven percent, from 18,977 to 20,356. Numbers rose in every classification except seniors. Freshman head count was 576, 54 percent more than the 374 total of a year ago. Sophomore, junior and master’s totals each showed a five percent hike, while post baccalaureate totals were up 72 percent, from 54 students to 93. “Increasing freshman numbers is integral to both recruitment and retention success,” said Denise Groves, Vice President for Enrollment Management. “These numbers indicate that efforts are headed in the right direction.” Groves credited an on-going recruitment effort that produced a 31 percent increase in first-time freshman applications and 67 percent jump in first-time freshman admissions. New transfer admissions rose 33 percent, while new graduate applications and admissions increased 24 percent and 59 percent, respectively. “The Enrollment Management team’s focus has been to build relationships with prospective students through various print and electronic mediums,” Groves said. “The positive numbers tell me that the word is getting out about what Sul Ross has to offer to students looking for quality education at an affordable price.” –0o0–

LOBO CROWD “LOUD AND PROUD” AT AT&T STADIUM by Steve Lang, News and Publications The Lobo crowd was loud and proud. Sul Ross State University’s appearance at the Lone Star Conference Football Festival Friday (Sept. 13) at Arlington’s AT&T Stadium included an estimated 500 enthusiastic fans, many decked in red.

A sea of red cheers as Lobos battle Eastern New Mexico at AT&T (home of the Dallas Cowboys) Stadium. (Photo by Susanna Mendez)

Although the Lobos fell to Eastern New Mexico University 55-24, the final score did not dampen the enthusiasm of the Sul Ross faithful. Many made the 500-mile trek from the Sul Ross campus to the home of the Dallas Cowboys via chartered buses or private vehicles. Numerous alumni from various locations also gathered to cheer for the Lobos. The Sul Ross cheer squad energized the crowd and the Sul Ross band, joined by the Presidio High School band, supplied music and halftime entertainment. Special events, coordinated by Karen Brown, director of Alumni Affairs, included a pep rally, pre-game social, stadium tour, luncheon and post-game party. Brown said that nearly 150 student tickets and almost 300 alumni and parent tickets were sold through her office. In addition, other Lobo fans purchased tickets at the stadium box office. A number of private citizens and university departments sponsored student trips to the game, helping to increase the crowed and expand the enthusiasm. Time off was granted to faculty and staff and students attending the game were excused from classes on Thursday and Friday. “For the Sul Ross community – players, students, alumni and fans – this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said President Ricardo Maestas. “Playing football in such a renowned venue provided considerable exposure for our university and community. “We are thankful to all who worked to make this event truly special and memorable,” he said. –0o0--

REMINGTON EXHIBIT OPENS TO PUBLIC SEPT. 21; EVENTS BEGIN SEPT. 19

"Treasures from the Frederic Remington Art Museum," including the rarely toured painting, "The Charge of the Rough Riders," opens Thursday, Sept. 19 as part of a gala weekend. The historic exhibit will be open to the public from Saturday, Sept. 21 through Dec. 8 at the Museum of the Big Bend at Sul Ross State University. Opening events will include scholarly presentations, dinners, receptions and live and silent auctions at various locations, including the museum; Sul Ross; Fort Davis National Historic Site, Fort Davis; the Gage Hotel, Marathon; and The Holland Hotel, Alpine. Ticketed events for opening weekend are as follows: Thursday, Sept. 19: Speakers and Sponsors dinner, 6 p.m.“Racism & Patronage,” presented by Peter Hassrick. Hosted by The Gage Hotel, Mary Jon and J.P. Bryan, and Carol and Pete Peterson. Friday, Sept. 20: 3:30 - 5:30 p.m., Frederic Remington lectures,“Frederic Remington’s Vision of ‘the Man with the Bark On,’” presented by Dr. Ron Tyler; “Remington as an Equine and Equestrian Artist,” presented by Dr. B. Byron Price; Vic and Mary Jane Morgan University Center, Sul Ross. 6-8 p.m.: Exhibit opening and reception, Treasures from The Frederic Remington Art Museum, Museum of the Big Bend. Saturday, Sept. 21: 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Private tour and BBQ lunch, The Fort Davis National Historic Site, Fort Davis. 6 p.m.: Frederic Remington Gala, cocktails, dinner, live and silent auctions, music, lecture, “Frederic Remington’s Legacy,” by Michael Duty; The Holland Hotel, Alpine. “The Remington show has been well-received throughout the national art world as well as in the local community,” said Liz Jackson, Museum director. “We have received extremely generous support from a host of sponsors, in the Big Bend region and well beyond.” She added that the live auction scheduled Saturday, Sept. 21, includes works donated by local artists Deborah Allison, Wayne Baize, Mike Capron, Wendy Cook Severns and many more. “Remington is the biggest name in Western Art and this is the biggest art event in our history,” Jackson. “We are not only bringing the rarely toured painting to our museum, we will be bringing together the best in Remington scholars. This event is significant for the museum, Sul Ross State University, and the Big Bend region as a whole.” Painted in 1899, "The Charge of the Rough Riders" commemorated the charge of Teddy Roosevelt’s troops up Cuba’s San Juan Hill during the Spanish-American War. It has been on display in the Frederic Remington Art Museum, Ogdensburg, N.Y. "Treasures from The Frederic Remington Art Museum" exhibit and events are made possible through the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Mallory, The Holland Hotel, Heritage Auctions and West Texas National Bank.Additional sponsors include The Gage Hotel, Mary Jon and J.P. Bryan, Carol and Pete Peterson and many others. Museum hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sundays. Admission and parking are free. Enter through Entrance B off of Harrison Road. Private tours must be scheduled in advance. For more information, visit www.sulross.edu/museum or call (432) 837-8143. –0o0–

New UDPS officer

James O. Davis began his new duties as a police officer for the University Department of Public Safety Tuesday (Sept. 17). Sul Ross State University President Ricardo Maestas administered the oath of office. Davis began his law enforcement career in 1977, with many of those years in the Big Bend. He has worked with the Alpine Police Department, Brewster County Sheriff's Office and previously with the Sul Ross UDPS. (Photo by Steve Lang)